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That is compared to a national average of one GP per 1,350 people, and 1,500 in Essex.

The NHS and Southend Clincal Commissioning Group admit there is a problem with access to doctors in Southend.

However, with both organisations having to cut budgets, money to build new surgeries is unlikely.

Leigh has the highest number of registered patients – an eye-watering 73,751, despite only having a population of just over 20,000 and just 36 doctors to go around.

Richard Herbert, leader of Leigh Town Council, said: “I know in Southend as a whole the system gets a lot of complaints.

“You have to fight to get through from 8am to get an appointment for that day, but by half eight it is fully booked and you have to call back the next day.

“It is a crazy system.”

NHS experts believe they need to recruit 143 extra doctors in the county to match the UK average.

David Webb outside the Westborough Road Health Centre

Patients claim they are struggling to get an appointment at surgeries across the borough because GPs are swamped.

David Webb, 38, of Fairmead Avenue, Westcliff, is constantly finding it hard to get an appointment at Westborough Road Health Centre, which has just one GP per 1,825 patients – the worst ratio in Westcliff.

He said: “Westcliff is one of the most densely populated areas of Southend and it’s so hard to get an appointment.

“It opens at 8am, but if you call up 10 minutes later, you won’t get an appointment. So if you’re really ill, you have to go to A&E, which floods it. It’s a vicious cycle.

“They didn’t replace one of the doctors who retired and instead put them in one bigger centre, but I think they should go back to the old days where there were mini surgeries.”

Sandra Bennett is registered to the Pall Mall surgery, in London Road, Leigh, which has a huge patient list of 16,113 people and only 10 doctors – meaning there is only one GP per 1,611 patients.

She claims that two-week waits for appointments are the norm.

She said: “One of the problems is if you have to see the GP a second time, we are being told the appointment books are not open say two weeks in advance, so you have to phone on the day and hope to get an appointment.

“You just hope you get to see the same doctor. I think the system is broken.”

Seven day a week GP surgeries on the cards for Southend

THE NHS is planning a radical shake-up of the way doctors operate in Southend – including making them available over seven days.

NHS England is looking to set up surgery “hubs” across the borough, where patients would be able to see a GP and not need to go to hospital.

Under the plans, doctors will work together to serve populations of about 20,000 people, and patients will be able to access any GP working for the hub if their surgery is fully booked.

People will also be assigned a specialist doctor, depending on their ailment, in a bid to reduce the number of long-term sick visiting hospital.

A spokesman for NHS England said: “We recognise primary care wants and needs to transformthe way it provides services offered.

As part of this model, seven day working for GP practices has been identified as one of the key priorities.

“One of the proposed ideas is the development of hubs, where patients can be seen by a GP who has a special interest in certain illnesses or conditions.

“This ensures the patient receives the most appropriate treatment, which in turn reassures the patient and reduces the need for a hospital referral. In turn, that reduces waiting times.

Pharmacies will also have a greater role in the new system, including diagnosing and treating minor illnesses, and will manage conditions such as hayfever and skin problems.

As part of the tougher new measures, the NHS has also threatened to axe poorly-performing GP services.

It also claims it will look to introduce training areas in GP surgeries to encourage young doctors to stay in Essex – with many now choosing to go and work in London.

Alan Crystall, a retired dental surgeon and governor at Southend Hospital, hopes the changes will help.

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He added: “A lot of surgeries to the east just have one doctor working in them.”

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Comments (14)

Is it any suprise,, my surgery has more signs up in polish than English and a quick listen in the waiting room would tell you the patient ratio seems to be 50/50 english/other.

Is it any suprise,, my surgery has more signs up in polish than English and a quick listen in the waiting room would tell you the patient ratio seems to be 50/50 english/other.whateverhappened

Is it any suprise,, my surgery has more signs up in polish than English and a quick listen in the waiting room would tell you the patient ratio seems to be 50/50 english/other.

Score: 16

chuckieboy says...7:26am Thu 4 Sep 14

The wages of doctors have risen immensely over the two decades. Their personal houses and cars have got bigger but they never seem to be in the surgery or hospital. They have an emergency cover for the out of hours so they don't even have to do that any more. They are always late for surgery which then causes all the appointments to fall behind. Do they expect such good wages without doing any work for it? They think they are a special breed of human with god given rights, and a class above the rest of us mere mortals. I overheard one doctor saying 'Of course I am honourable-I'm a doctor', Does that mean the dustman, postman or cleaner isn't just as honourable? Ask an 'honourable' retired doctor of the 60's, 70's or 80's etc. and they will tell you that these new breed of doctors don't even know they are born!

The wages of doctors have risen immensely over the two decades. Their personal houses and cars have got bigger but they never seem to be in the surgery or hospital. They have an emergency cover for the out of hours so they don't even have to do that any more. They are always late for surgery which then causes all the appointments to fall behind. Do they expect such good wages without doing any work for it? They think they are a special breed of human with god given rights, and a class above the rest of us mere mortals. I overheard one doctor saying 'Of course I am honourable-I'm a doctor', Does that mean the dustman, postman or cleaner isn't just as honourable? Ask an 'honourable' retired doctor of the 60's, 70's or 80's etc. and they will tell you that these new breed of doctors don't even know they are born!chuckieboy

The wages of doctors have risen immensely over the two decades. Their personal houses and cars have got bigger but they never seem to be in the surgery or hospital. They have an emergency cover for the out of hours so they don't even have to do that any more. They are always late for surgery which then causes all the appointments to fall behind. Do they expect such good wages without doing any work for it? They think they are a special breed of human with god given rights, and a class above the rest of us mere mortals. I overheard one doctor saying 'Of course I am honourable-I'm a doctor', Does that mean the dustman, postman or cleaner isn't just as honourable? Ask an 'honourable' retired doctor of the 60's, 70's or 80's etc. and they will tell you that these new breed of doctors don't even know they are born!

Score: 14

pembury53 says...8:24am Thu 4 Sep 14

whateverhappened wrote…

Is it any suprise,, my surgery has more signs up in polish than English and a quick listen in the waiting room would tell you the patient ratio seems to be 50/50 english/other.

yep, no surprise at all, and a quick stroll around southend or westcliff these days confirms it..... and they'll need plenty more signs

[quote][p][bold]whateverhappened[/bold] wrote:
Is it any suprise,, my surgery has more signs up in polish than English and a quick listen in the waiting room would tell you the patient ratio seems to be 50/50 english/other.[/p][/quote]yep, no surprise at all, and a quick stroll around southend or westcliff these days confirms it..... and they'll need plenty more signspembury53

whateverhappened wrote…

Is it any suprise,, my surgery has more signs up in polish than English and a quick listen in the waiting room would tell you the patient ratio seems to be 50/50 english/other.

yep, no surprise at all, and a quick stroll around southend or westcliff these days confirms it..... and they'll need plenty more signs

Score: 12

thecoat says...9:49am Thu 4 Sep 14

whateverhappened wrote…

Is it any suprise,, my surgery has more signs up in polish than English and a quick listen in the waiting room would tell you the patient ratio seems to be 50/50 english/other.

You can blame Labour for that, should have shut the gates years ago.

[quote][p][bold]whateverhappened[/bold] wrote:
Is it any suprise,, my surgery has more signs up in polish than English and a quick listen in the waiting room would tell you the patient ratio seems to be 50/50 english/other.[/p][/quote]You can blame Labour for that, should have shut the gates years ago.thecoat

whateverhappened wrote…

Is it any suprise,, my surgery has more signs up in polish than English and a quick listen in the waiting room would tell you the patient ratio seems to be 50/50 english/other.

You can blame Labour for that, should have shut the gates years ago.

Score: 10

Almeda11 says...11:31am Thu 4 Sep 14

This problem is caused by the last 20 years of not investing in and training enough doctors and nurses. In Germany they have a surplus, here we have a massive shortfall. Completely agree with this article , but also, 50 years ago , we WERE able to see the doctor, when we needed too. A simple system of doors open between 9-10-30 am, and 4-30 to 6-30pm, meant that patients were seen on a first come first served basis, and were seen when they needed to be. This could work in group practices today, the only difference being that you would get the next available doctor, if patients wanted to specifically see the doctor of their choice they would then have to make an appointment. This country has gone backwards to the days when l was a child !!

This problem is caused by the last 20 years of not investing in and training enough doctors and nurses. In Germany they have a surplus, here we have a massive shortfall.
Completely agree with this article , but also, 50 years ago , we WERE able to see the doctor, when we needed too.
A simple system of doors open between 9-10-30 am, and 4-30 to 6-30pm, meant that patients were seen on a first come first served basis, and were seen when they needed to be.
This could work in group practices today, the only difference being that you would get the next available doctor, if patients wanted to specifically see the doctor of their choice they would then have to make an appointment.
This country has gone backwards to the days when l was a child !!Almeda11

This problem is caused by the last 20 years of not investing in and training enough doctors and nurses. In Germany they have a surplus, here we have a massive shortfall. Completely agree with this article , but also, 50 years ago , we WERE able to see the doctor, when we needed too. A simple system of doors open between 9-10-30 am, and 4-30 to 6-30pm, meant that patients were seen on a first come first served basis, and were seen when they needed to be. This could work in group practices today, the only difference being that you would get the next available doctor, if patients wanted to specifically see the doctor of their choice they would then have to make an appointment. This country has gone backwards to the days when l was a child !!

Score: 9

Almeda11 says...11:43am Thu 4 Sep 14

This problem is caused by the last 20 years of not investing in and training enough doctors and nurses. In Germany they have a surplus, here we have a massive shortfall. Completely agree with this article , but also, 50 years ago , we WERE able to see the doctor, when we needed too. A simple system of doors open between 9-10-30 am, and 4-30 to 6-30pm, meant that patients were seen on a first come first served basis, and were seen when they needed to be. This could work in group practices today, the only difference being that you would get the next available doctor, if patients wanted to specifically see the doctor of their choice they would then have to make an appointment. This country has gone backwards to the days when l was a child !!

This problem is caused by the last 20 years of not investing in and training enough doctors and nurses. In Germany they have a surplus, here we have a massive shortfall.
Completely agree with this article , but also, 50 years ago , we WERE able to see the doctor, when we needed too.
A simple system of doors open between 9-10-30 am, and 4-30 to 6-30pm, meant that patients were seen on a first come first served basis, and were seen when they needed to be.
This could work in group practices today, the only difference being that you would get the next available doctor, if patients wanted to specifically see the doctor of their choice they would then have to make an appointment.
This country has gone backwards to the days when l was a child !!Almeda11

This problem is caused by the last 20 years of not investing in and training enough doctors and nurses. In Germany they have a surplus, here we have a massive shortfall. Completely agree with this article , but also, 50 years ago , we WERE able to see the doctor, when we needed too. A simple system of doors open between 9-10-30 am, and 4-30 to 6-30pm, meant that patients were seen on a first come first served basis, and were seen when they needed to be. This could work in group practices today, the only difference being that you would get the next available doctor, if patients wanted to specifically see the doctor of their choice they would then have to make an appointment. This country has gone backwards to the days when l was a child !!

Score: 4

Shoebury Shrimper says...11:57am Thu 4 Sep 14

whateverhappened wrote…

Is it any suprise,, my surgery has more signs up in polish than English and a quick listen in the waiting room would tell you the patient ratio seems to be 50/50 english/other.

That's it, blame it all on immigration! The facts are that the population of Southend and surrounding districts has risen by tens of thousands over the past years which can put a strain on existing services in the area. The vast majority of these extra people have come from the East end of London and not EU countries. If it wasn't for immigration you would have even less GP surgeries!

[quote][p][bold]whateverhappened[/bold] wrote:
Is it any suprise,, my surgery has more signs up in polish than English and a quick listen in the waiting room would tell you the patient ratio seems to be 50/50 english/other.[/p][/quote]That's it, blame it all on immigration! The facts are that the population of Southend and surrounding districts has risen by tens of thousands over the past years which can put a strain on existing services in the area. The vast majority of these extra people have come from the East end of London and not EU countries. If it wasn't for immigration you would have even less GP surgeries!Shoebury Shrimper

whateverhappened wrote…

Is it any suprise,, my surgery has more signs up in polish than English and a quick listen in the waiting room would tell you the patient ratio seems to be 50/50 english/other.

That's it, blame it all on immigration! The facts are that the population of Southend and surrounding districts has risen by tens of thousands over the past years which can put a strain on existing services in the area. The vast majority of these extra people have come from the East end of London and not EU countries. If it wasn't for immigration you would have even less GP surgeries!

Score: -15

pembury53 says...12:49pm Thu 4 Sep 14

Shoebury Shrimper wrote…

whateverhappened wrote…

Is it any suprise,, my surgery has more signs up in polish than English and a quick listen in the waiting room would tell you the patient ratio seems to be 50/50 english/other.

That's it, blame it all on immigration! The facts are that the population of Southend and surrounding districts has risen by tens of thousands over the past years which can put a strain on existing services in the area. The vast majority of these extra people have come from the East end of London and not EU countries. If it wasn't for immigration you would have even less GP surgeries!

yet another that fails to grasp the difference between 'immigration' and 'uncontrolled mass immigration'

[quote][p][bold]Shoebury Shrimper[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]whateverhappened[/bold] wrote:
Is it any suprise,, my surgery has more signs up in polish than English and a quick listen in the waiting room would tell you the patient ratio seems to be 50/50 english/other.[/p][/quote]That's it, blame it all on immigration! The facts are that the population of Southend and surrounding districts has risen by tens of thousands over the past years which can put a strain on existing services in the area. The vast majority of these extra people have come from the East end of London and not EU countries. If it wasn't for immigration you would have even less GP surgeries![/p][/quote]yet another that fails to grasp the difference between 'immigration' and 'uncontrolled mass immigration'pembury53

Shoebury Shrimper wrote…

whateverhappened wrote…

Is it any suprise,, my surgery has more signs up in polish than English and a quick listen in the waiting room would tell you the patient ratio seems to be 50/50 english/other.

That's it, blame it all on immigration! The facts are that the population of Southend and surrounding districts has risen by tens of thousands over the past years which can put a strain on existing services in the area. The vast majority of these extra people have come from the East end of London and not EU countries. If it wasn't for immigration you would have even less GP surgeries!

yet another that fails to grasp the difference between 'immigration' and 'uncontrolled mass immigration'

Score: 8

Ian P says...12:52pm Thu 4 Sep 14

Shoebury Shrimper wrote…

whateverhappened wrote…

Is it any suprise,, my surgery has more signs up in polish than English and a quick listen in the waiting room would tell you the patient ratio seems to be 50/50 english/other.

That's it, blame it all on immigration! The facts are that the population of Southend and surrounding districts has risen by tens of thousands over the past years which can put a strain on existing services in the area. The vast majority of these extra people have come from the East end of London and not EU countries. If it wasn't for immigration you would have even less GP surgeries!

If the vast majority of these extra people have come from the Eastend, as you are suggesting, then the signs would be in Cockney rhyming slang and not Polish.

[quote][p][bold]Shoebury Shrimper[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]whateverhappened[/bold] wrote:
Is it any suprise,, my surgery has more signs up in polish than English and a quick listen in the waiting room would tell you the patient ratio seems to be 50/50 english/other.[/p][/quote]That's it, blame it all on immigration! The facts are that the population of Southend and surrounding districts has risen by tens of thousands over the past years which can put a strain on existing services in the area. The vast majority of these extra people have come from the East end of London and not EU countries. If it wasn't for immigration you would have even less GP surgeries![/p][/quote]If the vast majority of these extra people have come from the Eastend, as you are suggesting, then the signs would be in Cockney rhyming slang and not Polish.Ian P

Shoebury Shrimper wrote…

whateverhappened wrote…

Is it any suprise,, my surgery has more signs up in polish than English and a quick listen in the waiting room would tell you the patient ratio seems to be 50/50 english/other.

That's it, blame it all on immigration! The facts are that the population of Southend and surrounding districts has risen by tens of thousands over the past years which can put a strain on existing services in the area. The vast majority of these extra people have come from the East end of London and not EU countries. If it wasn't for immigration you would have even less GP surgeries!

If the vast majority of these extra people have come from the Eastend, as you are suggesting, then the signs would be in Cockney rhyming slang and not Polish.

Score: 14

cairoqueen says...8:24pm Thu 4 Sep 14

I go to the Queensway surgery, and have to say that they try to get me an appointment sooner rather than later ,but if people turned up for their appointments and not waste Doctor's time , those who need to be seen would have more chance .

I go to the Queensway surgery, and have to say that they try to get me an appointment sooner rather than later ,but if people turned up for their appointments and not waste Doctor's time , those who need to be seen would have more chance .cairoqueen

I go to the Queensway surgery, and have to say that they try to get me an appointment sooner rather than later ,but if people turned up for their appointments and not waste Doctor's time , those who need to be seen would have more chance .

Score: 2

johnsmith2014 says...8:26pm Thu 4 Sep 14

The doctors surgeries in Southend are a joke, hence we have kept our doctor in Watford and prefer to travel the 120 mile trip to see a decent GP

The doctors surgeries in Southend are a joke, hence we have kept our doctor in Watford and prefer to travel the 120 mile trip to see a decent GPjohnsmith2014

The doctors surgeries in Southend are a joke, hence we have kept our doctor in Watford and prefer to travel the 120 mile trip to see a decent GP

Score: -1

Almeda11 says...8:33pm Thu 4 Sep 14

johnsmith2014 wrote…

The doctors surgeries in Southend are a joke, hence we have kept our doctor in Watford and prefer to travel the 120 mile trip to see a decent GP

The GP may be better but is the system, and how easy is it to get an appointment?

[quote][p][bold]johnsmith2014[/bold] wrote:
The doctors surgeries in Southend are a joke, hence we have kept our doctor in Watford and prefer to travel the 120 mile trip to see a decent GP[/p][/quote]The GP may be better but is the system, and how easy is it to get an appointment?Almeda11

johnsmith2014 wrote…

The doctors surgeries in Southend are a joke, hence we have kept our doctor in Watford and prefer to travel the 120 mile trip to see a decent GP

The GP may be better but is the system, and how easy is it to get an appointment?

Score: 1

Tweetmeister says...9:34am Wed 10 Sep 14

Just tried to get an appointment at Queensway and told the next available one is on the 29th September. Today is the 10th !

Just tried to get an appointment at Queensway and told the next available one is on the 29th September. Today is the 10th !Tweetmeister

Just tried to get an appointment at Queensway and told the next available one is on the 29th September. Today is the 10th !

Score: 0

johnsmith2014 says...7:45pm Wed 10 Sep 14

Almeda11 wrote…

johnsmith2014 wrote…

The doctors surgeries in Southend are a joke, hence we have kept our doctor in Watford and prefer to travel the 120 mile trip to see a decent GP

The GP may be better but is the system, and how easy is it to get an appointment?

Always get a same day appointment

[quote][p][bold]Almeda11[/bold] wrote:
[quote][p][bold]johnsmith2014[/bold] wrote:
The doctors surgeries in Southend are a joke, hence we have kept our doctor in Watford and prefer to travel the 120 mile trip to see a decent GP[/p][/quote]The GP may be better but is the system, and how easy is it to get an appointment?[/p][/quote]Always get a same day appointmentjohnsmith2014

Almeda11 wrote…

johnsmith2014 wrote…

The doctors surgeries in Southend are a joke, hence we have kept our doctor in Watford and prefer to travel the 120 mile trip to see a decent GP

The GP may be better but is the system, and how easy is it to get an appointment?

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